Who is this Charles Shaw you speak of?

There's a much bigger story to good old "two buck chuck" than you may realize.

I can’t necessarily recommend Charles Shaw wine, but I can tell you: if you’re gonna buy some, go for the Shiraz. For whatever reason, it’s their best product.

First, however, let’s back up and take a closer look at this brand and its consistent rock-bottom pricing. As of this typing, the cost in CA has risen from $1.99 to $2.49, but it’s still kind of mind-boggling. How are they making a profit?

There are many theories, and most of them are false. But did you know that Charles Shaw was once a small wine startup in Napa striving to make quality French-style wine? And that today, in its current bargain incarnation, the company has absolutely nothing to do with its namesake founder?